While New York Fashion Week‘s Fall 2014 shows as a whole had a serious shortage of high heels, a number of major designers included impressively towering shoes amidst the abundance of flats. On the catwalk, Erin Fetherston’s dainty designs paired nicely with clear-sided pumps, while Marchesa featured intricate, strappy sandals. The season’s street style stars and front row celebrities proved that the craziest—and at times, most uncomfortable—high heels are far from dead. While we’ll happily slip into a beautiful pair of towering heels any day, we figured we could use a few tips from those in the fashion business who know the shoes best.

To that end, we asked around throughout NYFW for models’ and celebrities’ tried-and-true tips for how to walk in sky-high heels. Click through the slideshow above for your go-to guide for getting around in stilettos, and you’ll be strutting it like a pro in no time.